Flu-like illness remains major concern in Cordillera

Baguio City, Philippines - A health expert in Cordillera is now encouraging the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle as cases of several illnesses are on the rise in the region.

Among the notifiable illnesses listed in the region was the Influenza–like illness (ILI), with over 5,000 victims in the first four months of this year.

ILI, as described by the Department of Health Cordillera, is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat and lungs. It is transmissible from one infected person to a healthy person through direct or indirect contact.

When not cured immediately, the illness will become more complicated until the affected person feels shortness of breath, or the Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).

During the Kapihan sa Baguio Media forum recently, DOH Cordillera DMOIV Karen Lonogan relayed that a total of 5,851 cases of ILI were recorded in the region from January – April 2024.

The figure showed a 265 percent increase compared to the 1,556 cases during the same period last year.

Of the total cases, Benguet listed the highest with 2,249, followed closely by Baguio City with 2,235 cases; Kalinga with 661; Apayao with 216; Ifugao with 99; Abra with 81; and Mountain Province with 68.

Lonogan, during the forum, likewise shared that the erratic weather, such as the hot afternoon, cold evening and occasional thunderstorm rain, are the main reasons why a person acquired ILI.

Thus, she reminded the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be vigilant against the changing weather conditions to prevent illness.